Red Crayfish Pharmacy, defensive barbican in Old Town of Bratislava, Slovakia
The Red Crayfish Pharmacy is a museum occupying four rooms on the ground floor of a baroque building in Old Town, integrated into the fortifications near Michael's Gate. The exhibition displays the spaces where medicines were once compounded and sold.
The pharmacy was founded in 1773 and operated continuously as a working business until 1953. At that point it was converted into a specialized museum dedicated to preserving the history of pharmacy.
The interior displays original furnishings and pharmaceutical tools from the 19th century that show how apothecaries organized and practiced their craft. The ceiling paintings depict different periods of medical history, giving visitors a sense of how pharmacy work evolved over time.
The museum is open from Wednesday through Monday, and a single ticket allows entry to both the pharmacy museum and Michael's Tower next door. Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and to have plenty of time for exploration.
The metal signage on the facade was crafted by the Márton blacksmith workshop and features the red crayfish symbol that gave the place its name. This hand-forged metalwork is a detail many visitors overlook while passing the historic facade.
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